House Bill 154 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul W. LeeRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Criminal procedure; out-of-state warrants, arrest authorized for crime punishable by more than one year, arrest by out-of-state officers authorized
Summary: HB154 would expand Alabama's warrantless arrest authority to include felonies charged in other states and authorize out-of-state officers to arrest suspects in Alabama after fresh pursuit, with prompt court review.
What This Bill Does
It adds felonies charged in another state to the list of crimes that can justify warrantless arrest in Alabama (not limited to crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment). It also allows out-of-state law enforcement officers to arrest someone in Alabama if they are pursuing a person they believe committed a felony in their home state, as part of a fresh pursuit. After an arrest under this bill, there must be a quick hearing to determine if the arrest was lawful; if lawful, the person is held for possible extradition or bail; if not lawful, the person is discharged. The act would take effect immediately.

Who It Affects
Individuals who have been charged in another state with a felony and may be arrested in Alabama without a warrant based on reasonable information.
Out-of-state law enforcement officers conducting fresh pursuit into Alabama, along with Alabama courts and local law enforcement that will review and process such arrests.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 15-9-41 to allow warrantless arrests in Alabama for individuals charged in another state with any felony (previously limited to crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment).
Adds Section 15-9-50 to authorize out-of-state officers to arrest in Alabama during fresh pursuit for felonies committed in their home state, with a prompt hearing before an Alabama judge to determine lawfulness and decisions about extradition or bail; effective immediately.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Criminal Procedure